Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 237 New Project at Factory 410

In Shenyang's winter, sitting in a heated room is the most comfortable thing, and in Shenyang's summer, it's very comfortable to walk outside. This place is simply a great place to escape the heat!
For the people who live here, everything is already familiar.

As usual, Director Zhao of Factory 410 was inspecting the factory with his usual sauntering gait. When he arrived at the entrance of the technical department, he overheard a conversation inside.

"Our factory absolutely needs a new project, otherwise it will go out of business!"

"Yes, our factory's main product right now is still the WP-6 turbojet engine that powers the J-6 fighter jet. As the J-6 is gradually retired, the demand for this engine will decrease. The WP-7 turbojet engine that our factory produces is also not favored by the military; they prefer to use products from Factory 460..."

"If we don't have any new products, the R&D team that once developed the WS-6 turbofan engine might fall apart! Developing a new high-thrust engine requires a step-by-step process, which we haven't done before, so we won't be allocated many R&D tasks. The engine research institute is doing most of the work..."

Factory Director Zhao stopped in his tracks.

That's right, the crisis in the factory is becoming more and more obvious!
The WS-6 turbofan engine was developed by their Factory 410. That was their most glorious time. Factory 410 was the unit with the strongest aero-engine research and development capabilities in the country!
What now?
Factory 420 is manufacturing a modified version of the WP-7 turbojet engine for supply to the military. Factory 430 is manufacturing the Spey engine. Factory 420 and Factory 460 are cooperating to manufacture the WP-15 turbojet engine, which has now been installed on the Tomcat engine and sold abroad. Factory 410's WP-7 turbojet engine was originally intended for the J-8 fighter jet, but the J-8 has now been equipped with the F404 engine!
Without projects, Factory 410 will go downhill!
"I think our factory must start a new engine project!" Old Li's voice rang out: "Currently, the imported engines used to match the J-7 and J-8, as well as various modified versions, are all for export. The domestic air force still has to use the modified WP-7 turbojet engine with great difficulty. As long as our factory can assemble a new turbojet engine, we will definitely get the approval of the higher-ups!"

"Save what?"

"We'll combine the existing three-stage low-pressure compressor of the WP-7 turbojet engine with the Spey's seven-stage high-pressure compressor..."

"Impossible, Spey's is too big."

"Then let's scale it down! Just scale it down proportionally, right? That way, we can get the compressor for the engine, and with the combustion chamber of the WS-6 turbofan engine and the turbine blades developed by the Capital Aviation Academy, wouldn't we have an advanced turbojet engine?"

Old Li looked at everyone present: "The maximum thrust will be increased to 5 tons, and the afterburner thrust will be increased to 7 tons. This will greatly improve the performance of the J-7 and J-8. Let's make another plan. After the second and third phases of improvement, the engine performance will be taken to another level..."

Old Li talked on and on: "If we do it this way, we will create the most powerful turbojet engine. Once the J-8 is equipped with it, it will definitely fly at Mach 2.5!"

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"That's right, you can give it a try!"

"Hey, Director Zhao?" Old Li looked at the person walking in from outside, his face full of excitement: "You also support our plan?"

"Yes, our Factory 410 needs a new project. We're the number one aero-engine factory in China; we can't let our brother factories outdo us!" Factory Director Zhao said. "Let's make a plan and go to the capital to report to the leaders of the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry!"

"Director Zhao, I already have a plan!"

"Okay, let's head to the capital now!"

Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Engine Engineering.

"The RD-33 engine, a third-generation engine developed by the Klimov Design Bureau of the Soviet Union, actually has lower technical specifications than the F404. It has higher fuel consumption and shorter lifespan, but precisely because of this, it is more suitable for our industrial base."

Qin Liang pointed to the engine, which had been unpacked and placed in front of everyone, and began to introduce it.

"Isn't its maximum thrust greater than that of the F404?" Professor Yu asked from the side.

Qin Liang nodded: "That's right, but it's not because of the core engine, but because of the bypass ratio." Qin Liang said: "Its bypass ratio is 0.49, which is 0.15 larger than the F404's bypass ratio of 0.34. Therefore, its diameter is also larger than the F404's. Our Capital Aviation Academy has completed the mapping and replication of the F404's third-stage fan blades, so we directly use the F404's third-stage fan to replace its original fourth-stage fan!"

Everyone's eyes widened.

Qin Liang was absolutely certain to the Russians that the RD33's diameter of 1040 mm was much larger than the F404 engine's 889 mm. Therefore, the engine compartment originally designed for the F404 was destined not to fit the RD33. To reassure the Russians, Qin Liang had actually already come up with a solution!
By replacing the fan with an F404 fan, or rather, by replacing the outer casing with an F404 fan, the outer diameter will naturally be the same!
When Barack Obama was working on the Sabre II program, he chose the F404 engine for a reason. The WP-2 turbojet engine has a diameter of 908 mm, which is the closest to the diameter of the F404 engine, making it the easiest to replace!

Now, if we don't want to modify the rear fuselage and just want to use the engine directly, using the RD-33 core engine to drive the F404's bypass duct is the best solution!
As for the power... the original F404's power was sufficient, and we have more advanced turbine blades. At worst, we can just slightly increase the turbine inlet temperature and the power will be increased.

Professor Ning frowned: "Qin Liang, your idea is good, but... shouldn't we do a matching experiment? Otherwise, if the high and low pressures don't match... that would be a nightmare!"

In China, there are many examples of haphazardly assembled engines that result in mismatches between high and low pressures, or even fail to start. Both the WS-6 and Kunlun engines face this problem.

At the meeting, Qin Liang had repeatedly expressed his disdain for this kind of behavior, saying that haphazardly piecing things together was unacceptable and that research and development had to proceed step by step! Now, when it comes to his own turn, he's starting to haphazardly piece things together?

Qin Liang smiled and said, "I've calculated it, it should be a match."

Other components can't be randomly pieced together, but F404 and RD33 are definitely fine!

In the mid-1980s, Dongfang obtained an F404 engine through relevant channels and then used it as a basis to build the WS-12 engine. The overall design was almost the same as the F404 engine, and the fan blades used a three-stage wide-chord fan. Unfortunately, due to various reasons, the project was eventually canceled.

Once the JF-17 Thunder was finally built, relevant units introduced the production technology of the RD-33 and produced the WS-13 engine. After that, improvements began. The first stage of improvement was to replace the original four-stage fan with the three-stage fan of the WS-12, which reduced the length of the engine by 10 centimeters. The second stage of improvement was to replace the low-pressure turbine, increase the fan diameter, and improve the bypass ratio.

We won't go into the subsequent improvements, but at least the original fan of the F404 is a perfect match for the RD-33.

Increasing the bypass ratio can increase engine thrust, but it also increases the frontal area, leading to a decrease in high-altitude, high-speed performance. Many people in the Air Force are still quite concerned about high-altitude, high-speed performance, so this is really not suitable to change.

The immediate priority is to develop a mature turbofan engine that can address the Air Force's urgent need for equipment replacement and the restrictions on arms sales. Other issues can be addressed later.
"Alright, since you say it's okay, then we have no objections."

Now, everyone has blind confidence in Qin Liang. Since he said it's okay, there's no need to worry anymore; there's definitely no problem.

"The second way to improve it is to upgrade its outdated hydraulic control system to the F404 electronic control system. This control mechanism also needs to be moved from the top to the bottom to facilitate logistics and maintenance."

This problem has been encountered on both the JF-17 and J-10 fighters. The engines were originally designed for twin-engine fighters. When ground crew needed to maintain them, they would stand on a ladder and reach the center of the two engines to make sure they could see both sides. This was done using the upper engine housing. However, when the engines were adapted for single-engine fighters, the lower engine housing had to be used so that ground crew could reach them from the ground.

Everyone nodded.

"Also, there's its combustion chamber. We need to replace it with an F404 combustion chamber to solve its black smoke problem."

"Comrade Qin Liang, your suggestion that we first measure and copy these three parts of the F404 engine was actually for the purpose of modifying the RD-33 now!"

“That’s right. Since you’ve already decided on this technical route, what else is there to say? Let’s do this work! After the surveying and replication, the next step is to conduct trial production.” Professor Yu said, “We should also apply to the Ministry of Machinery Industry for the project model.”

They had raised the issue of cooperating with Factory 410 at the beginning, but since this period was only for surveying and mapping and had not yet started imitation, and the cost was not high, they did not formally raise the issue with their superiors.

Now, if we want to manufacture the engine within six months, we must solve the problem of the production plant.

"Okay, let's go together then."

In the conference room of the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry, a leader surnamed Wang said, "Factory 410 truly lives up to its reputation as the leading aero-engine manufacturer in China. They think of the needs of the military, don't wait for instructions, and propose new projects themselves. This spirit deserves encouragement!" He continued, "I think this new engine project can be launched!"

"Old Wang, what era are we living in? Are we really that outdated to still be putting so much effort into developing a turbojet engine?" Director Duan frowned.

"How can this be called outdated? High altitude and high speed will never be outdated! Look at the performance of the J-8 this time, isn't that the benefit of high altitude and high speed? Besides, the WP-15 turbojet engine developed by Factory 420 is also a turbojet engine, and now even the J-9 is planned to use it."

"That's only temporary. Once our turbofan engine is rolled out, we'll replace it."

"The project proposed by Factory 410 is also temporary," Leader Wang said with a smile. "It's too difficult for us to develop turbofans domestically. Comrade Qin Liang also said that we must be prepared for a protracted battle. It may take five or even ten years to mature. What should we do during this period? There must be a transition! Factory 410 previously assembled a research team to develop the WS-6 turbofan engine. If there are no projects now, the team will fall apart! We must support them."

"Report! Comrade Qin Liang from Northwestern Polytechnical University and several teachers from the Capital Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics have arrived to report on an important aero-engine project!"

The leader's eyes lit up instantly: "Please invite them in!"

Leader Duan had heard that the Capital Aviation Academy had been studying the technology of the F404 and RB199 engines, trying to find a suitable route for a medium-thrust turbofan engine from the East among these engines. Now, could there be a concrete plan?

If they have their plan, then this new turbojet... really doesn't need to be approved. Anyway... the leader just doesn't like it, but he's just not openly opposing it because of the face of so many people around him. Once a better project is available, a formal decision can be made.

"Distinguished leaders, we would also like to stay and listen," said Director Zhao.

At this moment, the visitors from Factory 410 already had a bad feeling. They couldn't leave; if they stayed, there might still be a chance for things to turn around. But if they left...

"Okay, stay and let's hear what our other units have to say." Leader Wang nodded.

Soon, Qin Liang, Professor Ning, and others walked in, and were taken aback when they saw the group from Factory 410.

"Director Zhao, what are you doing here?"

"We... just gave a report to our superiors. Comrade Qin Liang, we'll just sit in and listen so we can broaden our horizons. We're all from the same unit, so we should learn from each other. Don't worry, we won't interfere with your report."

They would be in an awkward situation if Qin Liang insisted that they leave.

Qin Liang nodded: "Okay, no problem. But... now that you've heard our report, you should let me know what you just reported, right?"

"Well... it's nothing much. We've just proposed a new turbojet engine development plan for the J-7 and J-8 fighters, with the aim of upgrading their engines... You should report it quickly, don't waste your time."

Upon hearing about the new turbojet engine, Qin Liang roughly knew what it was all about. He smiled and said, "Alright, let's present our proposals. Professor Ning, please proceed!"

This was originally a project of the Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Professor Ning and Professor Yu were also old acquaintances of the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry, so they didn't stand on ceremony and walked to the front of the slide projector.

"Distinguished leaders, our Capital Aviation Academy is developing an advanced third-generation medium-thrust turbofan engine. You've all heard about this project. We've conducted research on the RB199 and F404 engines and discovered that their manufacturing processes are far ahead of our existing aviation industry. We can perform the measurements, but we can't actually produce them..."

Professor Ning then displayed slides of the F404 and RB199 engines and introduced them to the audience.

"Let's look at the RB199 first. It has a three-rotor structure, which is extremely complex. We just can't manufacture this multi-point support device..."

"F404, a bladed disk manufactured using powder metallurgy..."

The people at Factory 410 had complicated expressions. This meant that they couldn't produce it. If that was the case, then Factory 410's project was necessary. But... if they couldn't produce it, why were they reporting here?
"Just when the project was at a dead end, Comrade Qin Liang used special means to get us the RD-33 engine from the Klimov Design Bureau. The production technology of this engine is similar to that of Spey, and it meets our current domestic technological level..."

Similar to Spey? Leader Zhao and the others' expressions changed. Could this new engine be going to be produced at Factory 430 again?

No, we have to find a way to get it!

"However, the RD-33 also has flaws, the three most important ones. We plan to use technology from the F404 engine to improve the RD-33..."

Professor Ning spoke for over half an hour, and the group of leaders nodded in satisfaction: "Excellent, excellent!"

"We believe that by utilizing our existing domestic technology, we can produce this engine. We plan to complete the engine within six months, so we hope for strong support from higher authorities!"

"Yes, this project not only aligns with our current national conditions but also boasts sufficiently high performance, making it our best choice!" The leader was very pleased: "I believe it should be approved!"

Leader Wang's expression was complicated.

The country is focused on developing its economy, so the investment in the military is already limited. If this project is launched, Factory 410 will definitely be out of luck!
"So, which factory do you think should be commissioned to produce this engine?" Leader Wang asked.

Professor Ning subconsciously wanted to say, "Of course it's Factory 410," but before he could finish speaking, Qin Liang interrupted him.

"The development of this engine is different from before. It follows the path of Northwestern Polytechnical University. The best way for a university to design an engine is for the university to set up its own factory and produce it itself. After all, it's a market economy. The university can't just spend its energy on research and development and give it away to some factories for free, can it?"

"We can pay for it and buy the technology. Of course, we can't let Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics work for nothing!"

Factory Director Zhao spoke up directly!

Their transformation is really fast! They no longer have the superior attitude of an older brother. I guess this is also due to the transformation of Factory 112?
The J-8 fighter jet was designed by Northwestern Polytechnical University, so they had to pay for the design! Now, the new engine was designed for the maiden flight, so they also have to pay for the technology!
Hmm, not bad, that's a good start.

"This engine is different from the previous ones. It not only needs to meet the needs of the domestic air force, but it will also replace imported engines and be installed on our export fighter jets," Qin Liang said. "Therefore, the price of this engine also needs to be agreed upon in advance. If we manufacture it ourselves, it will be more expensive than buying it from abroad..."

"Of course not! Western engines cost at least twice as much as ours!"

"The price of the RD-33 engine is at most 1.5 million. The ex-factory price of the engines produced by your Factory 410 cannot exceed 750,000. If the price of the RD-33 increases in the future, we will also increase our prices, but they can never be higher than half."

Factory Director Zhao's expression changed instantly: "Comrade Qin Liang, I was referring to Western engines!"

"Our engine uses Western products only for the fan, combustion chamber, and control mechanism; everything else is from Russia, especially the core engine, which is definitely a Russian product. So, shouldn't the overall price be benchmarked against Russian products? What, your Factory 410 can't do that? If you can't, then we'll find other factories."

Factory Director Zhao gritted his teeth: "When you ask for this price, is it in RMB or USD?"

"The price remains the same. For domestic use, it will be in RMB, and for exports, it will be in USD. However... you should know that our military aircraft have already established a good reputation, and exports will definitely be the main focus."

In the early 1980s, the exchange rate between the RMB and the US dollar was not high, around 1.5. However, this was just the official price, a benefit enjoyed by those who were able to exchange foreign currency. If you were not able to exchange it on the black market, the price would at least double. It was not until the mid-to-late 1980s, when the exchange rate soared, that it roughly reached parity.

No matter how much you export, it's a lucrative way to earn foreign exchange!
(End of this chapter)